News & Information

Sport-Harvested Mussel Quarantine Lifted along Most of California Coast

Health Advisory continues for Del Norte and Humboldt Counties

Post Date:11/01/2018

The statewide annual quarantine on mussels gathered by sport harvesters from California’s ocean waters ended at midnight on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, for all coastal counties except for Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

The annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels, which typically
runs May 1 through October 31, is intended to protect the public from
shellfish poisoning caused by marine biotoxins. There have been no
reports of shellfish related poisonings in California during this
quarantine period.

Dangerous levels of domoic acid have been detected in mussels from Del Norte and Humboldt counties, making them unsafe to consume. Concentrated levels of domoic acid and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins can develop in mussels and other bivalve shellfish when they feed on certain naturally occurring marine plankton that can increase during favorable environmental conditions.

Domoic acid and PSP toxins remain at low or undetectable levels along all other portions of the California coast.

CDPH’s shellfish sampling and testing programs issue warnings or quarantines when needed. Local health departments, various state, federal and tribal agencies, community groups and others participate in the monitoring program. Residents and community groups interested in volunteering to assist with the testing program should email RedTide@cdph.ca.gov or call (800) 553-4133.

Due to the persistent presence of domoic acid in razor clams from beaches in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) closure of the razor clam fishery remains in effect there. More information about the razor clam fishery closure can be found on the CDFW Ocean Health Advisories Web page.